Query re probate application

Savvy_Sue

Thanks. What I wanted to stress is that there's no need to attempt an exact valuation of dad's assets when he died. And presumably I believe the starting point is whether they have the will, and who is named as executor?

Fiddlesticks28

we don’t have a will for dad. Mum presumed the house just went to her being married and nothing to do/ change. If there was a will it’s not in the house. Do solicitors keep copies if the original was picked up ?

Fiddlesticks28

the house was probably worth approx £78k in 2001 when dad died. He didn’t have much in the way of money in the bank. Just a bog standard old car. Mam had to get benefit from social for funeral. As far as I am aware dad left house to mam in his will. But I had no proof or copy of any will.

Fiddlesticks28

it’s going to get complicated isn’t it ? There were 7 children but for the last 25 years only 3 of us bothered to look after mam since dad died - the other 4 were estranged. It was mams wishes the house just went to us 3. .

Keep_pedalling

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81882260#Comment_81882260

Back in 2001 if there was no will a surviving spouse would inherit the entire estate if it was under £125k, which seems to be the case here which simplifies things somewhat.

Keep_pedalling

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81882264#Comment_81882264

Provided she had a valid will in place it should not be too complicated. If no will can be found for your father then you will need to apply for letters of administration for his estate after you have also completed IHT205.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/61b9b7c0e90e070441bcf9b3/IHT2052011.pdf

Keep_pedalling

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81882251#Comment_81882251

They won’t hold anything after all this time unless the original will was not collected (if it ever existed)

Fiddlesticks28

thank you for all your advice guys. Probate was grated today. And it has only took a week !! All that worry and stress for nothing.